First Half Grades

We're almost at the halfway point (41 games), and I'm really bored, so I figured I'd throw this out there now.

Goalies
Lundqvist: A Would have been an A+ if this was done after the first two months, but he's slumped lately.
Valiquette: B Solid performances when he gets the rare start, except for the clunker against Phoenix. Proved that he's a legit NHL backup though.

Forwards
Avery: A- Still the catalyst for the team.
Betts: A- Fills his role as a 4th liner to near-perfection. Would like to see a little more scoring obviously, but he doesn't exactly have offensive stalwarts on his line.
Callahan: D Biggest disappointment on the team this season, IMO. Huge step backward after last season. Only reason this isn't an F is because I'm cutting him a little slack due to the knee injury.
Drury: B- Not all I had hoped for so far, but he's on pace for a typical Drury season points wise, and has been a rock in his own end and on the PK. He'll tally some more big goals ala the Montreal game before the season's over.
Dubinsky: B Coming into his own very nicely. Did a respectable job on the top line, but it's obviously not where he should be. If he has more games in the second half like he did against Calgary, he'll be a stud.
Gomez: A Best forward on the team in the first half. If he and Jagr can keep it up he'll be worth every penny.
Hollweg: C Not bad, not good. He is what he is.
Hossa: C- Needs to light the lamp a bit more, but he's still one of the best defensive forwards on the team.
Jagr: C+ Starting to break out of his funk, but a largely disappointing first half.
Orr: B- Does his job as an enforcer well. Not his fault Renney plays him too much. Become a very smart fighter, both tactically and strategically.
Prucha: D+ Still works hard, but really needs to start converting.
Shanahan: B+ Slow start, but leads the team in goals. Play on the PK is just gravy.
Straka: A- Needs to shoot the puck a bit more, but I think he deserves the credit Jagr and Gomez have given him for turning that line around.

Defensemen
Tyutin: B+ Solid all-around, but still prone to the occasional lapse and would like to see a little more production on offense.
Girardi: B Fantastic early, not so much lateley. His offense has been a huge bonus though.
Roszival: A- Best overall d-man on the team. Already matched his goal total from last season, and is very good in his own end. A bona fide top pairing guy.
Staal: B+ Almost everything you could have hoped for. Like almost everyone else though, has taken a small step backwards lately.
Malik: C- Infuriating at times, but still doesn't deserve all the criticism he gets.
Mara: B Has been the best D-man in his own end in the past week or so. Needs to shoot more, and get it on net when he does.
Strudwick: B- Ridiculously slow, but makes up for it with good positioning and grit. A very good 7th d-man.

I like your grades overall

Agree for the most part, although I'd say Drury is a B+, Prucha is a C+ and Hollweg gets a D+.

Coaching:

Renney: C -- At times, the Rangers look unbeatable. At times they look FAR too beatable. Renney will have nights that make you call for the Jack Adams and then nights that make you want him fired. Personally? If we fail to pass the 2nd round this year, I DO want him fired.

Goalies:

Lundqvist: B+ -- Would've been an A if he could've avoided the slump in December. Needs to elevate his game.
Vally: C -- Sometimes looks good, sometimes looks downright awful. Never know what to expect with him in net.

Defense:

Rozsival: A -- Career year in every which way. Looks great defensively with Staal and great offensively whenever he is out there.
Tyutin: B+ -- Just keeps getting better and better.
Staal: B+ -- More than what I expected this year. His defense is nearly impenetrable sometimes.
Girardi: C -- Great beginning (A worthy), horrible middle (F worthy). I split the difference. Though I expect him to improve and I've seen signs of it so far.
Strudwick: C -- Playing above his skill level. He's looked good out there. But still not good enough that I trust him.
Malik: F -- The guy is playing for a contract. What does he want a contract for? The AHL? From criticizing Renney to playing more like a pylon then ever -- it's time for this bum to go. The only player I'd like for more to leave the team is Hossa.

Forwards:

Gomez: A -- Our best forward pretty much all year long. Love what he brings. He will be a great Ranger for years to come. Now if only we can get him someone to put the puck into the net...
Straka: A- -- Great year. Does anyone NOT love this guy? Gives it his all each and every time on the ice -- plus he's the only one on the team who can stop Papa Jagr from crying. I want him back next year.
Avery: A- -- If we only had not lost him to injury early on, we'd likely be in first place in the Atlantic -- by a comfortable margin.
Shanahan: B+ -- Would've been an A if he hadn't had a mediocre start to the year. I wasn't sure what to expect from the old dinosaur, but I'm happy we have him still.
Betts: B+ -- Subtly great year from Betts. While Orr and Hollweg have each had struggles from time and time again, it seems like the only guy on the 4th line who continually plays solid hockey is Betts.
Drury: B+ -- He gets killed way too much on here. Yes, he makes about 2M too much for all of our tastes, but it seems like nearly everyone misses the good that he brings behind the play.
Dubinsky: B- -- Solid year for the rookie. Just now seems to be turning it on. I'm expecting 30 points out of him by years end and there is a good chance he can surpass that if he continues to play as well as he's been.
Jagr: C -- Pouty all year. Goes from being an F level player to being an A level player sometimes game to game. Looks a lot better recently, but not nearly enough to get him into the C+ level of above.
Prucha: C- -- Man, where did his goalscoring go? He has been absolutely horrible at times out there. His game has gotten significantly better in the last month or so, with and without the puck. Just doesn't undo his early year so far, though.
Orr: C- -- Has shown, lately, to be clearly above his head in his role. Almost seems tired from being played too much at times as well. Also should fight more. Developing Sandra McCarthy syndrome?
Callahan: D -- Does not look like a NHLer right now. Frankly, doesn't look much like even an AHLer right now. Can we please send him down for a wake-up call?
Hollweg: D -- Has had an awful year. Been very effective when he plays his game (though without the hitting from behind), but how many times has he done that? 5? 6? Wake him up or waive him and send him down.
Hossa: F -- The worst player on this team. Hands down. Even worse than Hollweg and Callahan have been this year. His confidence seems to be at an all-time low. Remind me why he's on this team? It can't be because of his taste in music.

Others:

Nigel Dawes: N/A -- Has been solid a few times and completely invisible other times. But still not enough time to grade him.
Greg Moore: N/A -- Looks to be a good 3rd/4th liner in the future if he can continue to improve.
Ivan Baranka: N/A -- Why is he not on this team? Looked solid in his debut. No idea how he hasn't taken Malik's place in the line-up. Would like to see some more of him.
Thomas Pock: N/A -- Likely played his last game as a Ranger.

Overall Team Grade:

C+ -- This team should be in first place in the Atlantic. This team should be a top 5 team in the league. That all very well might be accomplished later in the season, but I don't think anyone on this board isn't at least a bit disappointed in this team so far. They've at least shown some life in the offensive zone, which is a plus, but they seem to have completely stopped caring about their "team defense" at times as well. Lundqvist's play in December is definitely partly to blame, but the goalie is only as good as the team in front of him. And this team can go from amazing to ****ing horrible in a moment's notice.

But here's to a better 2nd half and hopefully a 2nd round playoff win (as I'm a baby-step taker with this team -- one round at a time).

I also will say that it's nice to have absolutely owned New Jersey so far, but our play VS the Islanders needs to change fast.

Coaching:

Hollweg: D -- Has had an awful year. Been very effective when he plays his game (though without the hitting from behind), but how many times has he done that? 5? .

What hitting from behind? Has played damn well the past 5-10 game (since his benching---and that's when the 4th line started playing it's best))...doing exactly what Renney wants him to do...A pretty good forechecker, sound positionally on defense, and still the biggest hitter on the team (forwards).and takes few bad penalties...Can't score for **** and is probably the worst fighter in the NHL but will fight anybody and too bad other Rangers don't show the same heart and drive...Nothing wrong with him as a 4th liner

You completely missed the point, Larry. I'm saying that I'm glad that he hasn't been hitting from behind all year. What I said there is that when he has played his fast, heavy hitting game WITHOUT the hitting from behind that he did in the past, he's been extremely effective. I'm not saying that he's been penalty prone or dirty at all.

I guess you missed many posts where I've said how impressed I've been with his ability to stay out of the box and stay away from the dirty hits that he's thrown in the past. He's been an angel this year compared to past years -- for better or for worse.

We're almost at the halfway point (41 games), and I'm really bored, so I figured I'd throw this out there now.

Goalies
Lundqvist: A Would have been an A+ if this was done after the first two months, but he's slumped lately.
Valiquette: B Solid performances when he gets the rare start, except for the clunker against Phoenix. Proved that he's a legit NHL backup though.

Forwards
Avery: A- Still the catalyst for the team.
Betts: A- Fills his role as a 4th liner to near-perfection. Would like to see a little more scoring obviously, but he doesn't exactly have offensive stalwarts on his line.
Callahan: D Biggest disappointment on the team this season, IMO. Huge step backward after last season. Only reason this isn't an F is because I'm cutting him a little slack due to the knee injury.
Drury: B- Not all I had hoped for so far, but he's on pace for a typical Drury season points wise, and has been a rock in his own end and on the PK. He'll tally some more big goals ala the Montreal game before the season's over.
Dubinsky: B Coming into his own very nicely. Did a respectable job on the top line, but it's obviously not where he should be. If he has more games in the second half like he did against Calgary, he'll be a stud.
Gomez: A Best forward on the team in the first half. If he and Jagr can keep it up he'll be worth every penny.
Hollweg: C Not bad, not good. He is what he is.
Hossa: C- Needs to light the lamp a bit more, but he's still one of the best defensive forwards on the team.
Jagr: C+ Starting to break out of his funk, but a largely disappointing first half.
Orr: B- Does his job as an enforcer well. Not his fault Renney plays him too much. Become a very smart fighter, both tactically and strategically.
Prucha: D+ Still works hard, but really needs to start converting.
Shanahan: B+ Slow start, but leads the team in goals. Play on the PK is just gravy.
Straka: A- Needs to shoot the puck a bit more, but I think he deserves the credit Jagr and Gomez have given him for turning that line around.

Defensemen
Tyutin: B+ Solid all-around, but still prone to the occasional lapse and would like to see a little more production on offense.
Girardi: B Fantastic early, not so much lateley. His offense has been a huge bonus though.
Roszival: A- Best overall d-man on the team. Already matched his goal total from last season, and is very good in his own end. A bona fide top pairing guy.
Staal: B+ Almost everything you could have hoped for. Like almost everyone else though, has taken a small step backwards lately.
Malik: C- Infuriating at times, but still doesn't deserve all the criticism he gets.
Mara: B Has been the best D-man in his own end in the past week or so. Needs to shoot more, and get it on net when he does.
Strudwick: B- Ridiculously slow, but makes up for it with good positioning and grit. A very good 7th d-man.

Good list! Not one grade that i disagree with. EXCEPT..Malik does deserve the criticism he has gotten lately. And I used to be (last season) a supporter of his. The guy is done, his legs are gone, and if possible he may get worse.

Prucha: C- -- Man, where did his goalscoring go? He has been absolutely horrible at times out there. His game has gotten significantly better in the last month or so, with and without the puck. Just doesn't undo his early year so far, though.

Hossa: F -- The worst player on this team. Hands down. Even worse than Hollweg and Callahan have been this year. His confidence seems to be at an all-time low. Remind me why he's on this team? It can't be because of his taste in music.


Agree with most of your list but Prucha a C and Hossa an F? If Prucha is not scoring (and even with his recent surge he's on pace for about 8 goals) then he is pretty much useless, which about sums up his play for the first half. Hossa, though easily replaceable, plays his role decently: solid defensively, a good PKer and sadly has generated about as much ES offense as Prucha.

Prucha has been a much better player as of late even without the puck than Hossa has been.

Hossa hasn't been solid defensively all year. This is the worst I've ever seen him, in fact.

wOw... Half a season over...
This team to me is a C+...with great thing comming!

You completely missed the point, Larry. I'm saying that I'm glad that he hasn't been hitting from behind all year. What I said there is that when he has played his fast, heavy hitting game WITHOUT the hitting from behind that he did in the past, he's been extremely effective. I'm not saying that he's been penalty prone or dirty at all.

I guess you missed many posts where I've said how impressed I've been with his ability to stay out of the box and stay away from the dirty hits that he's thrown in the past. He's been an angel this year compared to past years -- for better or for worse.

OK, JOnathan, my bad..Sorry....But I think the Rangers have indeeed "woken" Hollweg up already with that benching a little while ago..Ever since then he has been a very effective player for the Rangers ...C+ (with a D + pre benching)

because i to am bored, ill do one aswell

Fowards
Avery-A: A-Very important player, stats dont lie, when he's in, we are a better team, he has been an important player on a team that needs his fire more then ever
Betts-A: does his job so well, the perfect 4th liner. kills penalties, and is one of the best around at it, will block any shot, can play a lil physical, and is a good skater. he also should be around for a while, hopefully
Callahan- B- -I like what he can do, not what he has been doing. he has the ability to score but nothing is happening for him and he looks less confident in my opinion. he does the little things very well. he hits, forechecks, skates well. the scoring will come, better late then never.
Drury-B-Hasnt lived up to expectations, but has still played well. he kills penalties, is awesome on face-offs, and has played better offensively, we have seen what he can do in the clutch, and he will improve
Dubinsky-B+-He has certainly played well, better then expected, the way he played against calgary, he was easily the best ranger on the ice, he was amzing. he really hasnt produced as much lately, but has still played very well and can develop in to a good 2nd line center for the rangers future.
Gomez-A-Has been the best ranger, no doubt about it, just ended a 13 game point streak, and has been tearing it up lately, took a little while, but he's found his game
Hollweg-C-I like the energy he brings, but fact is, there are other players around, and some in our system, who can do a similar thing, except they can score, atleast a little bit. I like hollweg, but as the future comes, i dont see him in the rangers plans. he has played alright, but frankly, does not bring enough to the table. If he had scoring talent, he would be an agitator like avery, but the fact is, he has no scoring talent.
Hossa-F- dump him now, im not the kinda guy who usually gives up on players like that, but fact is, he doesnt have the talent to stick on this roster. hopefully, he is kept as bait to bring his brother in, if it gets marian in the offseason, i can forgive macel.
Orr-B-I cant believe there is hate for him. every team needs an enforcer, but whats even more impressive is how he's improved to a good defensive player, and more then just a goon who's only purpose is to fight. he is an asset to this team. KOlton SCORE is a must keep.
Prucha- C - The puck just never seems to find him. he played great against toronto, and i think that he might be finding his grove, but fact is, he isnt producing, he's supposed to be a goal scorer, and he isnt scoring, he does some of the little things right, but he gets leveled every other game, and that only helps the other team. I would rather we keep him, cuz i like prucha a lot, but if he were moved, it wouldnt be the end of the world.
Shanahan-A- He is shanahan, he is doing his thing, need i say more?
Straka-B+-Gomez said it best, Straka holds that like together, he has been impressive this year.
Defense
Girardi- A- -i love how his offensive game has improved. how he slipped undrafted, i do not know, but im glad we got him. an important part of our blueline for the present and future
Malik-C+-not as bas as many think, but he has not been impressive this year. sloppy play, bad passes, i think he is sick of new york. the city gave up on him.......
Mara- B- -He needs to shoot more, he's got a good shot and isnt to bad defensively either. he has been an important part of the blueline. He can play a little more physical, but he has a heavy shot, and can be a vey important asset for this team.
Rozsival- B- - he is a beast offensively, but he's a defenseman, and he needs to play D first. lets just say this isnt the same rozsival of the playoffs last year. he has been sloppy, bad passes and giveaways and he doesnt shoot enough. i love his offensive game, and i do not like his defensive game, this year atleast.
Staal-A- has exceeded expectations, I am very impressed with his play, and i think he will only improve. He is going to be a star in the league one day.
Strudwick-C+-He is what he is, a 7th Dman, he does his job fine, is a leader. he isnt very great of a player, but he does his job fine. I'm glad we have him
Tyutin- A- -he has played very well and him and girardi make a great pair. he is very good on the defensive side of the puck, and can bury it in the back of the net aswell

Goaltending
Lundqvist- A- -Has been the savior this year, but has struggled lately, once he gets his early season form back, we will be a much better team. (especially if the D helps him out a lil more) Atleast it shows us why we need a good backup
Valliquette-B He is a perfect backup. he improved a lot this offseason, and has taken this back up job and made the most of it. im comfortable that when lundqvist needs a night off, we have a solid back up

Because under Renney I've always viewed us as a second half team I'll withhold final judgment, but I think that as a whole, the team is a B- kind of team, pretty much average; nothing all that wrong, nothing terribly right.

The two biggest disappointments are Jagr and Drury, most pleasant surprises Staal and Shanahan.

Because under Renney I've always viewed us as a second half team I'll withhold final judgment, but I think that as a whole, the team is a B- kind of team, pretty much average; nothing all that wrong, nothing terribly right.

The two biggest disappointments are Jagr and Drury, most pleasant surprises Staal and Shanahan.

I'm not trying to give you a hard time or anything but what were you expecting from Drury? He's on target for 56 points (20 goals, 36 assists), since he came into the league his season points totals have been:
98-99 = 44 points
99-00 = 67 points
00-01 = 65 points
01-02 = 46 points
02-03 = 53 points
03-04 = 53 points
05-06 = 67 points
06-07 = 69 points
Average = 58 points

I'd love to see more points too but he is on pace for an average season

Good job on the grades that were posted by various people. I agree with them in general.

The most bothersome grade for me is the team grade of C+ from Jonathan. and HeaveHo94. It's not that I disagree with it. It's that it's fairly accurate. With the talent this team added over the summer, it shouldn't have had the same mediocre first half this year that it did last year. That team had to go on a tear to save it's playoff butt after the life-injecting acquisition of Avery and Lundqvist putting up unreal numbers in the last weeks of the season.

I count overtime losses as just that--losses, and at 20-17-4, this Rangers team is a game under .500. There is no pushover in the division this season with a revived Flyers team who, despite sitting in last place as of this moment, trails the Rangers by only two points with three games at hand. And that's with Gagne having played all of 8 games this season.

I know this sounds overly negative but I still have hope, and I'd rather see this team peak in April-May-June than in January. So Renney, Jagr & Co. have a lot of work to do this second half. I think they can make a real push if they tighten up the defense and the goaltenders get their minds back into it 100% and Jagr becomes a factor on the scoresheet every night like he can. The games early in the season were low-scoring, tight affairs and it was almost painful watching the Rangers struggle to score, but at least they were winning. They were playing a style that wins in the playoffs, and I think they need to get back to that. Opening things up a bit has led to more offense, but it has been at the expense of solid defense.

I'm not trying to give you a hard time or anything but what were you expecting from Drury? He's on target for 56 points (20 goals, 36 assists), since he came into the league his season points totals have been:
98-99 = 44 points
99-00 = 67 points
00-01 = 65 points
01-02 = 46 points
02-03 = 53 points
03-04 = 53 points
05-06 = 67 points
06-07 = 69 points
Average = 58 points

I'd love to see more points too but he is on pace for an average season

I realize I'm being hard on Drury, but I think one of our top 2 centers should be a 70-75 game type player with the talent we have. Then again, it's not as if our offense is flying and Drury is lagging behind. I never expected Drury to be a point a game kind of guy, but I think we all were probably expecting better than his career averages and more in line of the upward trend we've seen his last three seasons.

entire team deserves an D

im in the process of writing a massive midseason reportcard.

Ive been working on it for quite a few hours already, and still have about 11 more players to go. if you want to check it out, and have some time to kill, check it out on my site. It's not finished yet, but i did a partial upload.

www.rangersreview.com

Goalies
Lundqvist: A-
Valiquette: B-

Some inconsistency in the goal last few months, costing the team.

Forwards
Avery: B Fighting stupidly leads to injuries when not healed.
Betts: A
Callahan: F Doesn't deserve to be playing
Drury: B-
Dubinsky: B
Gomez: A+
Hollweg: B+ Great Hustle, generally clean play.
Hossa: F Needs to be traded.
Jagr: C Not scoring, but not whining either. Grow the mullet back JJ.
Orr: A We have the best checking line the East.
Prucha: D He needs to be 10 pounds heavier to be effective.
Shanahan: A- At least he shoots!
Straka: A-

Defensemen
Tyutin: B+
Girardi: A- Had A Few Weak Games but very nice otherwise.
Roszival: A+ How Many Goals??
Staal: A- 1st Season!
Malik: F I don't forgive lazy penalties.
Mara: B Why Malik and Struds play over him sometimes? IDK
Strudwick: B Average 6th D man . Had that great OT goal. Playing to his potential, just don't give it away so much


And Renney, C-, he is starting to cost the team games with his fanciness.

I like it!!!

my only differences would be downgrade lundy to a B+(slight slump) and upgrade Gomez to an A+(hes our real leader boys)

My report card (http://www.rangersreview.com/2008/01/05/fine-ill-do-it-midseason-report-card/). its riduclously long though. took a really long time to finish writing.

Rozsival- B- - he is a beast offensively, but he's a defenseman, and he needs to play D first. lets just say this isnt the same rozsival of the playoffs last year. he has been sloppy, bad passes and giveaways and he doesnt shoot enough. i love his offensive game, and i do not like his defensive game, this year atleast.


Totally agree with you. When he behind our net waiting for the breakout play to develop, I get really nervous. Like with Malik, you just expect that routine once-per-game gaff. But with Rosival, it's so nerve-wracking. It's like he is totally oblivious that the other team is forechecking. He somehow lost a step from last season where he was quite sharp and diligent in the back zone.

Prucha gets an F.

He's totally useless out there. D is passing...his performance doesn't pass by my standards.

Prucha gets an F.

He's totally useless out there. D is passing...his performance doesn't pass by my standards.

hes on pace to have almost the same offensive output as Dubinsky.

i gave Dubi a B- and Prucha a D+, i think its fair.

congrats, they both suck

I can't believe anyone would give Staal a highter rating than Girardi.Watch the whole game not the name on the shirt/

I can't believe anyone would give Staal a highter rating than Girardi.Watch the whole game not the name on the shirt/

Sorry, but Girardi's been borderline horrendous at times this year. Staal's had a few bad nights, but even when he's bad he hasn't been at Girardi-level bad.

Goalies
Lundqvist: A if not for December, he'd be perfect.
Valiquette: B+ he's been as good as you can hope a back up can be filling in and his attitude is great.

Forwards
Avery: B+ when he plays he is still effective
Betts: A- probably the most underrated player on this team. he's really stepped up his defensive game this year imo.
Callahan: D he hasn't been directly responsible for anything detrimental but he's been disappointing and invisible far too often this season.
Drury: B- fairly inconsistent and invisible more than you'd like. don't care how his points correlate to his career, he's been a little disappointing imo being the steady player he's supposed to be.
Dubinsky: B if only he'd start getting points for all his efforts, he's been very impressive and has showed rapid development. oddly enough i notice him most often among all forwards creating chances in the offensive zone.
Gomez: A- can't dismiss his dismal start but he's finally getting comfortable and looks like every bit the player we hoped for.
Hollweg: C+ personally think he gets overly criticized. he brings his game most nights and it usually is effective.
Hossa: C+ he's been everything i'd expect going into the season, and finally it seems renney has realized he's not going to get any better than what he currently is.
Jagr: B- its easy to give jagr a lower grade given the expectations however he's still been one of our more effective forwards offensively at times, but its not enough to cover for his defensive woes, and obviously his disappointing season factors in.
Orr: B i've been pleased with him. he hasn't frustrated me at all this season.
Prucha: C+ i love prucha, you can't help but to root for him and he does everything to make you happy but he can't score which is essential for him.
Shanahan: B+ shanny's been about as good as i'd hope for him to be if not better. he hasn't been as dynamic as last year but he's come up big at times.
Straka: A- i said betts was the most underrated player earlier, check that, its either straka or betts.

Defensemen
Tyutin: B+ he is just progressing as we hoped. i like that he's getting involved offensively more, he certainly is capable of it. he's had a few rough moments but overall i've been very pleased.
Girardi: B great start to the season but he's been on a rapid decline. hopefully he'll get it together soon.
Roszival: A it wasn't that long ago where i couldn't stand him and malik, but he's been a wonder for us since last year. not quite a #1, but certainly worthy of top pairing status. he's been solid on the defensive end and great offensively.
Staal: B+ he's been incredibly steady, maybe our most consistent defenseman, which is bizarre considering his age and experience. you can tell he's gaining more confidence, taking more risks. he's been the defense's answer to dubinsky.
Malik: C- can't stand him. honestly, i think he's been directly responsible for more goals than the rest of team combined. i can't remember a player, even poti - who i disliked more, that has made more turnovers, stupid penalties, and inadvertent deflections, all that lead to goals against. imo, front office is finally realizing how much of a liability he is and i think he'll be lucky if he's still on the team by the end of february.
Mara: B i used to think he doesn't get enough credit, but its more that he gets overly criticized at times. he's solid all around, a bit frustrating since he has obvious talent but it doesn't work for some reason. he's not liability, but he doesn't do anything extra.
Strudwick: B his true value has been off the ice, but not factoring that in, he's been great when he's played. you can't ask him to do more than he has. solid in his own zone, and smart.

Sorry, but Girardi's been borderline horrendous at times this year. Staal's had a few bad nights, but even when he's bad he hasn't been at Girardi-level bad.

I think i would agree with this, but I also agree with the flipside of this argument as well.

Girardi has been borderline #1 defenseman at times this year, and even though staal has had some amazing nights, he has yet to be Girard-level good.

Girardi has been borderline #1 defenseman at times this year, and even though staal has had some amazing nights, he has yet to be Girard-level good.

you mean a #1 for us right?

it'd be interesting to do an average of all the grades given..

there are some complete disagreements in some of them.

it'd be interesting to do an average of all the grades given..

there are some complete disagreements in some of them.

IMO, if any, Inferno's grades are barely off, they are pretty spot on.

The worst on the list will have to go to Prucha and Callahan because in their past we've seen them do things so much better but just aren't placing themselves in a category in which we would like to keep them.

And Malik is Malik, he wouldn't get an A+ on these boards even if he played amazing the rest of the season, scored 10 goals and was a +50, that's how much people hate him, but I agree with his grade.

Anyone giving Hossa an F obviously is just a blind hater.

Yeah, he's not producing, and often got unmerited 1st/2nd line minutes towards the beginning of the season, but he is EASILY in the top 2 of defensive forwards on this team - if not the best. Has been our best PK'er and a SOLID 3rd/4th liner. Anyone rating him below Callahan is just oblivious.

Anyone giving Hossa an F obviously is just a blind hater.

Yeah, he's not producing, and often got unmerited 1st/2nd line minutes towards the beginning of the season, but he is EASILY in the top 2 of defensive forwards on this team - if not the best. Has been our best PK'er and a SOLID 3rd/4th liner. Anyone rating him below Callahan is just oblivious.

no way, no chance is hossa our best penalty killer bro. That honor resides with Blair Betts, who is probably the best penalty killing forward in the entire national hockey league.

Okay thats probably true.

I'm not gonna disagree with that at all.

Still though, he doesn't deserve and F, and I'm a big Hossa critic.

Okay thats probably true.

I'm not gonna disagree with that at all.

Still though, he doesn't deserve and F, and I'm a big Hossa critic.

agreed, i gave him a C+

I gave hiim an F for missing endless scoring chances, playing with out confidence and taking bad penalties at bad times. You need to find a way to score.

I was about to write my own review, but i read in the hall's and that pretty much sums up how i feel.

Except i'd give Jagr a C- and heres why.

An average year (C is average) for Jagr is around 38 goals and hes on pace for 22. He's done enough offensively not to warrant anything under a C -BUT here's the big butt (lol) - hes the captian. And the captain of the team has to lead, the captain and the "go-to-guy", the star - has to be the difference maker, the game breaker - the player that turns a game around.

On more than 5 critical occasions, i'm not just talking normal chances but really critical points in a few games, hes had a chance to directly effect the game by scoring or making "the play" and hes failed to do it and the play comes DIRECTLY back into the defensive zone and results in a goal.

If Jagr has 20 goals (which is his average pace) right now instead of 11, this team is a 25 game winner no questions asked.

Adn i dont care if its because Nylander isnt here or Straka was hurt, or who was his center. He's had his chances. He's made his own in the past.

I think kids in the schools can be only glad that actual grades are done by results, not by expectations ;) Because grades in this thread are not done based on results...

We have many good Penalty Killers - Hossa contributes nothing else and is by far not the best PK.

Whats up with people hating Orr/Hollwegg? they play their game and get some energy going. Not taking many bad penalties. Orr's presence in the line up protects our stars. He is needed to play every game. Wouldn't be against sitting Hollywood for more offense when needed

Let me point this out about Hossa though:

He has never been the same after he got hurt last year. I recall we were all very high on him, (especially Renney) early in the season because he had been as good as Betts on the PK, and then he got hurt. We have never seen the same kind of play.

Goalies
Lundqvist: B+/A-
Valiquette: B

Henrik needs to get his head out of his you know what, but overall has been great. But I get a little concerned when his slump is perfectly timed with the decline of defense hmm. Vally, although his record may not show it, is a great backup and has really improved over the summer.

Forwards
Avery: B+
Betts: A+ The guys has no offense, but for what else he does (defensive game, plus he can be our 3rd goalie) makes him almost invaluable IMO.
Callahan: D Needs to step it up, ASAP
Drury: B+ After tonites goal, he's doing what we pay him for.
Dubinsky: B If he keeps pace, will easily become an A
Gomez: A+ Career year?
Hollweg: C Ehh, I love the hits and energy, could be better defensively, maybe help Betts out blocking all the shots.
Hossa: D/B Put him on the 4th line and he fits in, anywhere else, not so much.
Jagr: D+ My patience is really wearing thin for him. If he's not scoring, what else does he bring to the table?
Orr: B Slowly improving, is one of the most well rounded enforcers in the league.
Prucha: C I tried my hardest on my Accounting Final, and I got this grade. Since Prucha is giving it his all, I'll give him this. He needs to find his touch or it's time for him to go.
Shanahan: A- Damn, he does everything, very useful, if only he was 10 yrs younger.
Straka: B Great hustle and heart, but he is either doing too much or scared of shooting. Either way, it's hurting him.

Defensemen
Tyutin: B+ Hipcheck, hipcheck, hipcheck.
Girardi: A- Very solid, reliable, and becoming more offensive. Needs to find a balance between offense and defense, because his defensive game has slipped a little. His strength is what really impresses me, he plays with a mean streak and can really get guys off the puck, I love this guy.
Roszival: A- Maybe he needs to get used to Staal, but he seems to be clumsy/fumbling around as of late, the goals always seem to be coming in at the right time.
Staal: A Oh boy, I keep thinking he's a veteran out there, can't really ask for more at this stage in his career. I love him on this team.
Malik: F Trade please.
Mara: C I'd give him a higher grade, but for 3m, we need more out fo him. Rozie deserves this money, not Mara.
Strudwick: B Team guy, decent fill in D-man. I say keep him around but don't make him a regular.

Overall: C. they have the potential to be the best team in the East, but they always find ways to fall apart or not get it done. There is the second half of a season left, let's live up to the hype.

I don't think individual grades are fair. As a team they stand or fall. We have the same team as last years run, with a few improvements in getting Gomer and Drury. So on the whole, this first half was disapointing. More than faulting any individual effort, this team is not playing well together as a group. This is where their shortcomings fall. They have the overall personel, and talent to improve on last years march. They just need to play a little tighter as a group. And they have shown flashes as to what they can accompish. Hanks 6 shutouts for example. Thats a team effort. Just need that effort on a more consistent basis.

I think kids in the schools can be only glad that actual grades are done by results, not by expectations ;) Because grades in this thread are not done based on results...
a bit of flawed thinking.

kids don't get paid to go to school, thus creating expectation.

there is no rank in school. ie: first line, second line etc.

Goalies
Lundqvist: A-
Valiquette: B

Forwards
Avery: C-
Betts: A-
Callahan: D
Drury: C
Dubinsky: B-
Gomez: B+
Hollweg: D
Hossa: C-
Jagr: B-
Orr: B-
Prucha: C-
Shanahan: B
Straka: B

Defensemen
Tyutin: B+
Roszival: A-
Staal: B+
Malik: C
Mara: B-
Strudwick: C

My Grades:

Lundqvist: [A-] Solid, great effort every night, just a few inconsistancies.

Valiquette: [B-] Generally a good backup, although at times ineffetive.

Betts: [A-] Pefect at completing his role, an ideal 4th liner, great PKer.

Avery: [B] Needs to step up offensive, but good at his main role of agetating.

Callahan: [D+] Nothing compared to last year and what he is capable of.

Drury: [A-] Clutch goals, great effort, decent point total. Exactly as expeceted.

Dubinsky: [B+] Not much to say, completes his role well.

Gomez: [A] Goals and assists are right up there with what's expected

Hollweg: [D] Mediocre effort, bad penalties at bad times, all around iffy player.

Hossa: [C] Meh.

Jagr: [C] Needs to step it up big time, I know he will be in the B+ range soon.

Orr: [C] Fights, fights, and more fights. Thats about it.

Prucha: [D+] Maybe they are boos and not pruuus!

Shanahan: [A] Comes through in OT, great PKer, great leader, fan favorite.

Straka: [B+] Definatly coming along to be what he was last year.

Tyutin: [A] What a suprise! Great all around D-man, works well with his linemate

Roszival: [A-] Shoot the puck more and he'll be a A.

Staal: [A] Just as his brothers, great player and gives you the effort.

Malik: [C-] Giveaways, takeaways, and penalties are his game.

Mara: [C] Not great. Not great at all.

Girardi: [A] Excellent d-man, has the PP touch this year!

Strudwick: [C] Well, he did have the game winner in Pittsburgh...

Renney: [C-] Enough said, Im not even going to comment.